The post below is sponsored by Olympia Entertainment. Opinions expressed belong to me.

Each holiday season, I try to attend at least one Christmas live show or musical. There’s just something about the music and scenery that just puts me in the spirit of the season.

One show that is sure to get even the grinch-iest hearts in the spirit is the Dr. Seuss-inspired story How The Grinch Stole Christmas. The show will be at the Fox Theatre in Detroit November 17-19 as part of the Fifth Third Bank Series, and I have the scoop, plus a giveaway!

ABOUT THE SHOW

Hailed by The New York Times as “100 times better than any bedside story,” this classic holiday musical — Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical — will enchant adults and children alike.

Audiences will discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life live on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” THE GRINCH discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming GRINCH, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos.

The Grinch broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements in New York. Since then, more than 1.8 million theater-goers across America have been delighted by this heart warming holiday musical.

TICKETS

Tickets range from $35-$75 and can be purchased at OlympiaEntertainment.com, the Fox Theatre Box Office and the Little Caesars Arena XFINITY Box Office {without service charge}, and Ticketmaster.com. To purchase tickets by phone, call 800-745-3000. For additional information, call 313-471-6611. Series subscription packages and discounts for groups of 10+ are available by calling 313-471-3099.

GIVEAWAY

I have a family 4-pack of tickets for opening night – Friday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m. Follow the prompts below to enter. Giveaway ends on October 13 at midnight. Good luck!

Ever since I heard about Ringling closing down {sad day}, I’ve been dreaming of all things circus. I couldn’t have been more excited when info for Cirque Ziva came across my inbox. Cirque shows are amazing and entertaining and so worth attending if you enjoy watching stunning acrobatics.

ABOUT THE SHOW

The Golden Dragon Acrobats will spring into the Fox Theatre in Detroit with a performance of Cirque Ziva on Sunday, March 19 at 3 p.m. Cirque Ziva is a fast-paced, technically innovative and beautifully presented spectacle for all ages.

Danny Chang and his Golden Dragon Acrobats continue their rigorous, 30+ year US touring schedule of a centuries-old Chinese art form, presenting over 200 performances annually. In 2005, their Broadway debut and seven-week run at the New Victory Theater earned two prestigious New York Drama Desk Awards nominations (Angela Chang for Best Choreography and Danny Chang for Most Unique Theatrical Experience). The Golden Dragon Acrobats returned to the Broadway venue for the holiday 2014 season, making them the ONLY acrobatic troupe from China chosen to perform twice at this prestigious venue.

Copyright Amitava Sarkar 2011

The troupe has distinguished itself from the majority of Chinese acrobatic companies touring the US, by emphasizing cultural exchange; the troupe spends more than one third of its tour participating in community and youth outreach programming.

How awesome is that?

TICKETS

Tickets are $24.50, $34.50 and $44.50, and are available at OlympiaEntertainment.com, The Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices, Hockeytown Authentics in Troy (without service charge) at all Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. Discounts for groups of 10 or more are available by calling 313-471-3099. For additional information, call (313) 471-6611.

GIVEAWAY

I have two tickets to provide to one lucky winner. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Winner must respond within 24 hours. Giveaway ends on March 15, 2017.

It’s true — my blog was inspired by my childhood favorite show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. So imagine my excitement when soon after I started blogging, the show Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood began airing on PBS KIDS. I love that my children are able to see some of Fred Roger’s greatest lessons brought to life in a way that speaks to their generation.

The messages Daniel Tiger brings to life are adorable, memorable and incredibly helpful as a parent. In fact, one of Daniel’s jingles I sing often at the dinner table is “You gotta try new food because it might taste good.” My kids always listen when I remind them to have an open mind.

Now, Daniel and all of his friends are hopping aboard Trolley to delight live audiences with Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!coming toThe Fox Theatrein Detroit on Sunday, April 9th at 2 p.m.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Donning his iconic red sweater, Daniel invites the audience on an interactive musical adventure as he and his friends explore the vibrant world of their much-loved Neighborhood of Make-Believe, sharing stories of friendship, helping others, and celebrating new experiences. This live theatrical production filled with singing, dancing, laughter and “grr-ific” surprises will warm the hearts of multiple generations.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood tells its engaging stories about the life of a preschooler using musical strategies grounded in Fred Rogers’ landmark social-emotional curriculum. Through imagination, creativity and music, Daniel and his friends learn the key social skills necessary for school and for life.

The animated TV series has garnered a host of prestigious awards.

TICKETS

Tickets start at $22 {plus applicable service fees}, and are available at ticketmaster.com, olympiaentertainment.com, by calling 800.745.3000, or the Fox Theatre Box Office. Group tickets are available at 313.471.3099.

GIVEAWAY

I have 4 tickets to give away to the show! Enter using the form below. Contest ends on 2/21/17 at midnight. Winner will have 24 hours to respond to email to claim the tickets. Best of luck!

Sesame Street Live is heading into The Fox Theatre in Detroit January 26 through February 12, 2017 and I have the scoop and a chance for you to win a family 4-pack! Sesame Street Live is a larger-than-life, musical touring stage production featuring Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie…and more. Sesame Street Live is one of our absolute favorite kid shows — my kids LOVE them, and there usually is awesome music and some adult humor sprinkled in too.

ABOUT THE SHOW

No matter where you’re from or where you’ve been, everyone is special – so join in! Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby, and their Sesame Street friends welcome Chamki, Grover’s friend from India, to Sesame Street. Together, they explore the universal fun of friendship and celebrate cultural similarities, from singing and dancing, to sharing cookies. Join the fun and make a memory with your friends and family!

Each performance is 90 minutes of singing, dancing and audience participation, including a 15-minute intermission. The perfect length for very young children!

TICKETS

Ticket prices: $17, $25, $35 {Gold Circle} and $70 {Sunny Seats, which include a VIP Seat and a pre-show Meet & Greet photo opportunity with two Sesame Street Live friends.}

To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. Groups of 10 or more receive a discount on select performances by calling 313-471- 3099. For additional information, visit HERE.

TIPS FOR ATTENDING

Parking {bring cash!}. There are quite a few lots surrounding the Fox, but if your kids can’t walk far, or it’s cold, I would highly suggest the Olympia Parking structure, which is located on Montcalm, right behind Hockeytown Cafe. It usually is around $15 to park, but the convenience with little ones is worth every penny. Be warned though – it’s CASH ONLY, so plan ahead. Otherwise, there is a Fifth Third ATM inside the Hockeytown basement {if that isn’t your bank, you will have to pay a fee}.

Bring your camera. This is one of very few shows where cameras are allowed. You cannot record the show since the music since is copyrighted, but photos without flash are allowed. Capture the look on your kid’s face as their favorite monster appears on stage.

Pack snacks. If your kids are like mine, they are going to need a snack at some point. We usually splurge and get something, but this is a show where you are allowed to bring your own things, so take advantage! We pack “special” snacks like fruit snacks and bring bottled water.

Bathrooms. The Fox is a gorgeous building I adore, but it can be a challenge with little ones since the bathrooms are on the lower level, which means LOTS of stairs for little feet. Try to use the bathroom beforehand, as it will be very crowded during intermission.

Sensory Experiences. There are a few scenes where confetti will fly around you {as shown below}. There also is a scene near the end where giant balls will fly into the audience. This can be overwhelming for children, or completely excite them. Just a warning in case your child is sensitive to chaos.

GIVEAWAY

I have 4 vouchers available to ONE lucky family. Enter using the form below. Must live in the Detroit area or willing to drive there for the show. Giveaway will end on January 25, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. Good luck!

ANNIE is definitely up there with my top 5 favorite musicals of all time. I mean, who wouldn’t love the red-haired orphan? Also, the music. It’s classic Broadway, and it never goes out of style.

This show is also the first play I performed in as a kid, so it has a special place in my heart, and is one my girls have grown to love as well. I can’t wait to take them to this show when it comes to Detroit this February. In my opinion, it’s a must for any theatre-loving child’s bucket list!

ABOUT THE SHOW

Olympia Entertainment and MagicSpace Entertainment are proud to announce that ANNIE will play the Fox Theatre on Friday, February 17 and Saturday, February 18.

Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin for the 19th time, this production of ANNIE is a brand new physical incarnation of the iconic Tony Award®-winning original.

The production features a 25 member company: in the title role of Annie is Heidi Gray, an 11-year-old actress from the Augusta, GA area, making her tour debut. Gilgamesh Taggett stars as Oliver Warbucks. In the role of Miss Hannigan is Lynn Andrews. Also starring in the tour are Chloe Tiso as Grace, Garrett Deagon as Rooster, Lucy Werner as Lily and Jeffrey B. Duncan as FDR. Macy and Sunny, rescue terriers, star as Sandy.

The original production of ANNIE opened April 21, 1977 at the Alvin Theatre and went on to win the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, seven Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, the Grammy for Best Cast Show Album and seven Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score. The show remains one of the biggest Broadway musical hits ever.

The score for ANNIE includes “Maybe,” “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You” and the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”

TICKET INFO

Tickets are $30, $45, $55 and $70, and are on sale now and can be purchased at OlympiaEntertainment.com, the Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices, Hockeytown Authentics in Troy {without service charge} at all Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000.

Alvin, Simon, Theodore and the gang are coming to Detroit October 30, 2015, and I have an opportunity for a family to win a 4-pack of tickets! {Can anyone else sing the theme song?! This was one of my favorite TV shows growing up!}

ABOUT ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS LIVE ON STAGE IN DETROIT

Alvin and The Chipmunks: Live On Stage!, is a brand new, music-filled interactive live show that will have two performances at the Fox Theatre on Friday, October 30 at 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The world’s most famous chipmunk trio – accompanied by the Chipettes – will delight fans of all ages with live performances that will feature world-class production, music, special effects and immersive interactivity to encourage audience participation.

Based on the characters from the hit Twentieth Century Fox movies, the show will bring the music and excitement of a live rock concert to life as the Chipmunks perform hits by One Direction, Maroon 5, Christine Aguilera, Elvis Presley and more! Join Alvin, Simon and Theodore as they sing and dance their way across America en route to their big charity concert. From an “old school” breakdancing competition in Chicago, to a no-holds-barred food ﬁght in New York City, and with the Chipettes along for the wild ride, Chipmunk fans from coast to coast will experience it all –LIVE on stage!

TICKETS

Tickets are $19, $25 and $40 and can be purchased at OlympiaEntertainment.com, The Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices, Hockeytown Authentics in Troy {without service charge} at all Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. For additional information, call (313) 471-6611. Group discounts on select seats are available for groups of 10 or more. Call 313-471-3099 for details.

MORE INFO

For more information about the show and to purchase tickets, visit www.alvinlive.com.

GIVEAWAY

I have the chance for one family to win a 4-pack of tickets to the show on Oct. 30, 2015 at 2 p.m. The winner will have 24 hours to respond and will be able to pick up tickets at Will Call on the day of the show. Best of luck!Alvin and the Chipmunks

I have an ongoing relationship with Olympia Entertainment and periodically receive tickets in exchange for promoting shows.

Today I am sharing about one of my favorite children’s books being brought to life on stage in Detroit. Check out the information to get tickets or enter to win a family 4-pack to go! I love this show for introducing the world of theatre to smaller children.

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Olympia Entertainment and Etico Productions once again present the children’s favorite, If You Give AMouseACookie, a family production that explores the tasty chain reaction set in motion when a little boy offers acookie to a visiting mouse. This heartwarming stage adaptation, produced by Performance Network Theatre, returns for another run at the City Theatre {inside Hockeytown Cafe in Detroit} on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7.

Tickets are $19 and are on sale now and can be purchased at OlympiaEntertainment.com, The Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices, Hockeytown Authentics in Troy {without service charge} at all Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. Groups of 10+ receive a discount by calling (313) 471-3099 for more information.

Created and directed by Etico Productions founder John Manfredi, If You Give AMouseACookie is a madcap messy ride through Laura Joffe Numeroff’s best-selling children’s book. Don’t miss this funny heartwarming story about a boy and his energetic, demanding and inquisitive visitor. Michigan’s Etico Productions has been aleader in providing live family entertainment since 2007, including creating the Michigan Premieres of Alexander and the Terrible No Good Very Bad Day and Good Night Moon. Etico has also adapted other If You-stories including; If You Take aMouse to School and If You Give Pig a Pancake.

The production is produced by the Performance Network, Ann Arbor’s premier professional theater. The theatre is home to award-winning theatre, music and concert events, making it one of Michigan’s most renowned cultural destinations.

There is parking directly behind City Theatre in the Fox garage on Montcalm. The cost is $15 and is cash only. There are some $10 lots as well, but you will need to walk a few blocks. Here’s a map for parking. {There is no Tigers game this weekend, so parking shouldn’t be too crazy!}

The first 100 kids at each performance get a free bag of cookies, compliments of Little Caesars.

City Theatre is a small venue, so great for a child’s first show. Seats are not assigned, so for the best seats, arrive early.

Hockeytown Cafe has a kid’s menu and is a fun place to eat before/after the show.

City Theatre is also across from Comerica Park. If the weather is nice, go check it out! My kids love the big tiger in front. Bring a camera 🙂

GIVEAWAY

The kind people of Olympia Entertainment have teamed up with me to give one lucky winner a family 4-pack of tickets for one of the performances. Follow the instructions below to enter. Must be a U.S. resident over the age of 18 and willing to drive to Detroit for the show. A winner will be chosen and notified after April 27, 2015.

The post below and giveaway is sponsored by Olympia Entertainment. All opinions expressed are my own.

There’s no show like a show with Sesame Street friends in my kids’ opinions! Excited to share info and a giveaway with all of you for Sesame Street Live in Detroit with the show, “Can’t Stop Singing,” Jan. 23 – Feb. 17 at The Fox Theatre!

Join the chorus for this toe tapping, finger snapping musical event! All you need is a song when Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Murray and all of your favorite Sesame Street friends bring the magic of music to life on stages big and small – and right into the audience! The all-new Sesame Street Live “Can’t Stop Singing” is at Fox Theatre from Thursday, Jan. 23 through Monday, Feb. 17.

When Elmo gets his furry fingers on Abby Cadabby’s magic wand, there’s something in the air – and Sesame Street becomes a nonstop, all-singing, all-dancing musical montage! Grover and Baby Bear sing their highs and lows, Cookie Monster sings fast and slow, Bert and Ernie converse in song and Murray makes mouth music for all to sing along! Learn why it feels good to sing a song, but why it feels good to stop, too! What will Elmo learn about the power of musical magic? Join the conga line of fun to find out! Sesame Street Live “Can’t Stop Singing” offers a fun-filled learning experience packed with the razzle-dazzle of interactive live performance, including up-close and personal interactions on the audience floor! Like television’sSesame Street, each Sesame Street Live production features timeless lessons for all ages. The universal appeal of each Broadway-quality musical production continues long after preschool. Adults will appreciate the high-tech stagecraft, cleverly written script, and music they’ll recognize and enjoy sharing with children, such as fun new parodies of “Shout” and “You Can’t Stop the Music.”

TICKETS

Ticket prices range from $15 to $68 and are on sale now and can be purchased at OlympiaEntertainment.com, the Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices, Hockeytown Authentics in Troy (without service charge) at all Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. For additional information, call (313) 471-6611.

A limited number of $35 Gold Circle seats and $68 Sunny Seats are available. The Sunny Seats package features premium show seating, pre-show photo opportunities, music, play, and a pre-show Meet & Greet photo opportunity with two Sesame Street Live friends, including Elmo! Sunny Seats are not available for the Kids Matinee shows.

GIVEAWAY
I am excited to offer ticket vouchers to a family of FOUR to attend the show! The vouchers will need to be redeemed for tickets at the box office prior to the show. Just follow the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck! {Wouldn’t these make the BEST present ever?}